Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for monitoring a property of appearance of teeth of a patient, said method comprising the following successive steps: A. acquisition, by means of a first acquisition apparatus and a first dental separator, of at least one first two-dimensional image of said teeth and of a first reference gauge, called “initial image”; B. acquisition, by means of a second acquisition apparatus and a second dental separator, of at least one second two-dimensional image of said teeth and of a second reference gauge exhibiting a same appearance as the first reference gauge, called “updated image”; C. normalization, by computer, of the initial and updated images so that the representations of the first and second reference gauges on the normalized initial and updated images exhibit a same appearance; D. before or after the step C., identification, by computer, of a same region of the teeth on the initial and updated images; and E. comparison, by computer, of the property of appearance of said region on the normalized initial and updated images, wherein: the second acquisition apparatus is a mobile phone and the updated image is a photograph taken by the patient with the mobile phone, the property of appearance is one or more of a color, an opalescence, a fluorescence, a gloss, and a transparency.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , in which the time interval between the steps A. and B. is greater than one week.
A system and method for managing data processing operations involves performing a first data processing step and a second data processing step, where the time interval between these steps exceeds one week. The first step includes collecting and storing data from one or more sources, while the second step involves analyzing the stored data to generate insights or outputs. The system ensures that the collected data remains in storage for at least one week before analysis, allowing for sufficient time to accumulate a meaningful dataset or to account for delays in data availability. This approach is particularly useful in applications where data aggregation over time is necessary, such as in financial reporting, trend analysis, or batch processing systems. The method may include additional steps such as data validation, preprocessing, or formatting before the analysis phase. The system may also incorporate scheduling mechanisms to enforce the minimum time interval between data collection and analysis, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements or operational constraints. By enforcing this delay, the system improves data reliability and reduces the risk of processing incomplete or outdated information.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , in which the first acquisition apparatus is a camera and/or mobile phone, the acquisitions in the steps A. and/or B. being performed under flash lighting.
A method for acquiring and processing visual data involves using a camera or mobile phone to capture images or video under flash lighting conditions. The process includes two acquisition steps: first, capturing an initial set of visual data, and second, capturing a subsequent set of visual data. The flash lighting ensures consistent illumination during both acquisitions, which helps reduce variations caused by ambient lighting. The captured data may be used for tasks such as object recognition, scene analysis, or quality assessment. The method may also involve comparing the two sets of visual data to detect changes or differences between them, which can be useful in applications like surveillance, inspection, or augmented reality. The use of flash lighting ensures that the images or video frames are well-lit and free from shadows or low-light artifacts, improving the accuracy and reliability of subsequent processing steps. The method can be implemented in various devices, including smartphones, security cameras, or industrial inspection systems, where consistent and high-quality visual data acquisition is essential.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1 , in which the acquisitions in the steps A. and/or B. are performed by means of an acquisition kit comprising: at least one of the first and the second dental separators intended to be placed in the mouth of a patient and comprising at least one register mark; at least one of the first and the second image acquisition apparatuses comprising: a display screen, a computer memory containing information on target acquisition conditions, a computer program comprising program code instructions for simultaneously displaying, on said screen, a preview image and a reference, said reference being in a position such that, when the register mark matches the reference on the screen, the acquisition apparatus meets target acquisition conditions.
This invention relates to dental imaging systems designed to improve the accuracy of intraoral scans. The problem addressed is the difficulty in achieving consistent and precise dental scans due to variations in patient positioning and imaging conditions. The solution involves an acquisition kit that includes dental separators and image acquisition apparatuses. The separators are placed in a patient's mouth and contain register marks that serve as reference points. The image acquisition apparatus includes a display screen, a computer memory storing target acquisition conditions, and a computer program. The program displays a preview image alongside a reference on the screen. The reference is positioned such that when the register mark aligns with it, the imaging device meets the target conditions, ensuring accurate scans. This system helps standardize the imaging process, reducing errors caused by improper positioning or alignment. The separators and imaging devices work together to guide the user in capturing images that meet predefined quality standards, improving the reliability of dental diagnostics and treatment planning.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4 , in which the target acquisition conditions are determined according to the teeth whose property of appearance is to be monitored.
This invention relates to dental imaging systems, specifically methods for monitoring the appearance properties of teeth. The problem addressed is the need for precise and adaptive target acquisition conditions in dental imaging to accurately track and analyze specific tooth characteristics over time. Traditional systems often lack the ability to dynamically adjust imaging parameters based on the unique properties of individual teeth, leading to inconsistent or unreliable monitoring results. The method involves determining target acquisition conditions based on the specific teeth whose appearance properties are being monitored. These conditions include imaging parameters such as lighting, focus, resolution, and exposure settings, which are tailored to the visual characteristics of the target teeth. For example, if a tooth has high translucency or surface irregularities, the system adjusts the lighting and exposure to enhance visibility of these features. The method ensures that the imaging system captures high-quality images that accurately reflect the tooth's appearance, enabling reliable tracking of changes over time. This adaptive approach improves the consistency and accuracy of dental monitoring, particularly for applications like orthodontic treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and dental health assessments. The system dynamically adjusts the imaging parameters in real-time, ensuring optimal conditions for each monitored tooth.
6. The method as claimed in claim 4 , in which the acquisitions in the steps A. and B. are performed by means of acquisition kits in which the target acquisition conditions are identical.
This invention relates to a method for acquiring data in a system where precise synchronization of acquisition conditions is critical. The method involves two distinct acquisition steps, A and B, performed using separate acquisition kits. The key innovation is that both kits operate under identical target acquisition conditions, ensuring consistency and comparability between the datasets obtained from each step. This synchronization is essential for applications where variations in acquisition parameters could lead to inaccuracies or misinterpretations of results. The acquisition kits may include sensors, imaging devices, or other measurement tools, depending on the specific application. The identical conditions may encompass factors such as timing, environmental settings, calibration parameters, or operational modes. By enforcing these uniform conditions, the method ensures that any differences in the acquired data are attributable to the variables being studied rather than discrepancies in the acquisition process itself. This approach is particularly useful in fields like medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, or industrial quality control, where precise and reproducible measurements are required. The method helps eliminate systematic errors and enhances the reliability of subsequent analyses or comparisons between datasets. The use of separate kits with identical conditions allows for parallel or sequential acquisitions without compromising data integrity.
7. The method as claimed in claim 4 , in which the first and/or the second acquisition apparatus comprises a computer program comprising program code instructions for identifying, in real time, the at least one register mark on the first and/or the second separator, analyzing its or their positions or dimensions and, accordingly, supplying a piece of information.
This invention relates to a method for processing separator materials in a printing or packaging system, focusing on real-time detection and analysis of register marks. The technology addresses the challenge of ensuring precise alignment and quality control during the production of printed or packaged materials, where misalignment or defects can lead to waste and inefficiency. The method involves using at least one acquisition apparatus to detect register marks on separators, which are typically used to divide or separate printed or packaged materials. The acquisition apparatus includes a computer program that identifies these register marks in real time, analyzes their positions or dimensions, and generates information based on this analysis. This information can be used to adjust the production process dynamically, ensuring accurate alignment and reducing defects. The acquisition apparatus may be configured to monitor both a first and a second separator, allowing for comprehensive quality control across multiple stages of the production process. The computer program's real-time analysis capabilities enable immediate feedback, which can be used to correct misalignments or other issues before they propagate through the system. This approach enhances production efficiency and reduces material waste by minimizing errors in the final product. The system is particularly useful in high-speed printing or packaging environments where maintaining precision is critical.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1 , in which, in the step D., the identification comprises a comparison of discriminating pieces of information common to both the initial and the updated image, then an identification of said region relative to said common discriminating pieces of information.
This invention relates to image processing, specifically methods for identifying regions in updated images by comparing them to initial images. The problem addressed is accurately locating and identifying regions of interest in updated images that may have undergone changes, such as modifications, additions, or deletions, while maintaining consistency with the initial image. The method involves capturing an initial image and an updated image of the same scene or object. The process includes extracting discriminating pieces of information from both images, which are unique or distinctive features that can be used for comparison. These features may include edges, textures, patterns, or other visually distinguishable elements. The method then compares these discriminating pieces of information between the initial and updated images to identify common features that remain unchanged. Based on these common features, the method identifies a specific region in the updated image relative to the common discriminating pieces of information. This allows for precise localization of the region of interest in the updated image, even if other parts of the image have changed. The technique is useful in applications such as change detection, image alignment, and object tracking, where maintaining spatial consistency between images is critical.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1 , in which, in the step D., the identification of said region on the initial and/or updated images comprises a search for virtual acquisition conditions in which the first acquisition apparatus and/or the second acquisition apparatus, respectively, would have acquired said initial and/or updated image by observing a three-dimensional digital reference model of at least a part of an arch of the patient.
This invention relates to dental imaging, specifically methods for aligning and comparing dental images over time to track changes in a patient's dental arch. The problem addressed is the difficulty in accurately identifying and comparing specific regions of dental structures in images taken at different times due to variations in acquisition conditions, such as camera angle or lighting. The solution involves using a three-dimensional digital reference model of the patient's dental arch to simulate virtual acquisition conditions that would produce the initial and updated images. By matching these virtual conditions to the actual images, the system can precisely identify and align corresponding regions for comparison. This approach ensures consistent tracking of dental changes, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. The method leverages digital modeling to standardize image analysis, reducing errors caused by inconsistent imaging parameters. The invention is particularly useful in orthodontics and restorative dentistry, where monitoring dental progression is critical. The system may use multiple acquisition devices, such as intraoral scanners or extraoral cameras, and align their outputs based on the reference model. This technique enhances the reliability of longitudinal dental assessments.
10. The method as claimed in claim 1 , in which, in the step D., the identification of the region on the initial and/or updated image, called “acquired image”, comprises the implementation of a method for assessing the actual acquisition conditions of the acquired image, said method comprising the following steps: 001) production of a three-dimensional digital reference model of at least a part of an arch of the patient; 002) analysis of the acquired image and production of a map relating to a discriminating piece of information, called “acquired map”; 003) search for the virtual acquisition conditions approximating, optimally, said actual acquisition conditions, according to the following steps 01) to 05): 01) determination of virtual acquisition conditions to be tested; 02) production of a two-dimensional reference image of the reference model observed in the virtual acquisition conditions to be tested; 03) processing of the reference image to produce at least one reference map representing said discriminating piece of information; 04) comparison of the acquired and reference maps so as to determine a value for an assessment function, said value for the assessment function depending on the differences between said acquired and reference maps; 05) depending on said value for the assessment function, modification of said virtual acquisition conditions to be tested, then return to the step 02); or assessment of the actual acquisition conditions by said virtual acquisition conditions to be tested.
This invention relates to dental imaging, specifically methods for accurately identifying regions in dental images by assessing acquisition conditions. The problem addressed is the difficulty in precisely determining the position and orientation of a dental arch in an acquired image, which is critical for accurate analysis and treatment planning. The method involves creating a three-dimensional digital reference model of a patient's dental arch. An acquired image, either initial or updated, is analyzed to produce an "acquired map" containing discriminating information. The method then searches for virtual acquisition conditions that closely match the actual conditions under which the image was captured. This is done by iteratively testing virtual conditions, generating two-dimensional reference images of the reference model under these conditions, and processing these images to produce reference maps. The acquired and reference maps are compared using an assessment function that quantifies their differences. Based on this comparison, the virtual conditions are adjusted and the process repeats until the best match is found, effectively determining the actual acquisition conditions. This ensures accurate alignment and identification of regions in the dental image for further analysis or treatment.
11. The method as claimed in claim 1 , in which an application is loaded in said mobile phone and configured for said patient to compare the appearances of said teeth on photographs he or she takes to constitute updated images.
This invention relates to a mobile phone-based system for dental health monitoring, specifically for patients to track changes in their teeth over time. The system addresses the need for patients to visually assess dental conditions, such as alignment, discoloration, or other cosmetic or health-related changes, without requiring frequent in-person dental visits. The method involves using a mobile phone application that allows patients to capture and store photographs of their teeth, creating a visual record of their dental condition. The application enables the patient to compare these photographs with previously taken images, providing a visual reference to monitor progress or detect issues. The system may include features to standardize image capture, such as alignment guides or lighting adjustments, to ensure consistency in the comparison process. By leveraging mobile phone technology, the invention provides a convenient, accessible tool for patients to actively participate in their dental care, facilitating early detection of problems and better communication with dental professionals. The application may also include options to share images with dentists or receive feedback, enhancing the overall dental monitoring experience.
12. The method as claimed in claim 1 , in which the first and second reference gauges are borne by the first and second dental separators, respectively.
This invention relates to dental separation techniques, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately measuring and controlling the spacing between teeth during orthodontic treatment. The method involves using dental separators to create precise gaps between adjacent teeth, which is critical for subsequent procedures like bracket placement or interproximal reduction. The key innovation lies in integrating reference gauges directly into the separators themselves. These gauges provide real-time measurement of the separation distance, ensuring consistent and controlled spacing. The first and second reference gauges are physically attached to the first and second dental separators, respectively, allowing for direct measurement at the point of application. This eliminates the need for separate measurement tools and reduces human error. The gauges may be calibrated to specific distances, ensuring reproducibility across treatments. By embedding the measurement functionality into the separators, the method improves efficiency and accuracy in orthodontic procedures, particularly in cases requiring precise interproximal adjustments. The solution is particularly useful in orthodontics, where small variations in spacing can significantly impact treatment outcomes.
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November 26, 2019
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